Heat coiled in my stomach at the thought. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” I shook off the sexy vibe. “I’ve decided to take my broomstick to see Sonja Brickstone.”
The vampire perked up. “Your broomstick? What prompted this?”
“I haven’t been using it as much as I should. I love to fly. I only tend not to because of Marley, but there’s no reason I can’t use one when she’s not around.” I shoveled down a forkful of frittata. “Besides, this broomstick is special. I should be using it more often.”
His fork hovered midway between the plate and his mouth. “Oh? Why is that?”
"Because someone special bought it for me." I met his gaze across the table.
“Perhaps you should give him something special in return as a thank you,” Alec suggested.
I pointed the fork at him. “You realize that’s bordering on prostitution.”
“Certainly not when there’s been such a lag between the original gift and the later payment.”
Great Goddess. The sexual tension was too much to bear sometimes. Part of me wanted to take him right there on the table, but I knew that wasn’t the smart play. The therapist was right. Waiting was best for a healthy relationship. We both had issues to work through. My issue with guilt was at the forefront right now, which was why I finished my frittata and rode straight over to Sonja Brickstone’s house.
Sonja lived in a beautiful three-story house not far from the row of Painted Pixies. The architecture would have looked equally at home in New Orleans with its double balconies and intricate wrought iron design. The front door was painted a glossy black with shutters to match.
I knocked on the door and was greeted by one of the tallest women I’d ever seen. She wore an elegant, floor-length dress that seemed more appropriate for an evening out than the middle of the day. Then again, I was someone who was more than happy to go to the grocery store in pajamas if I could get away with it.
“Hi there. Are you Sonja Brickstone?”
She peered down her patrician nose at me. “That’s right. And you are?”
“Ember Rose,” I said. “I’m writing an article for the paper about Shayna Masters and was wondering if you might have a minute. I understand that you were one of her best customers.”
Sonja placed a hand over her heart. “I was so distressed when I heard the news. Shayna was more than a light in my life. She was an eternal flame.” She stepped back to allow me entry. “Please come in. May I offer you a glass of white wine?”
“No, thank you,” I said. “Not while I’m working.” Deputy Bolan and I had agreed that I would use the newspaper as a cover story when I interviewed paranormals without him, which made breaking the news about the brooch awkward but still doable.
“I still have a hard time believing she’s gone,” Sonja said. “I think it’s going to take some time to process.” She sashayed into the formal living room and sat on the Chippendale loveseat. She gestured for me to sit in the Stickley chair opposite her.
“I understand you frequently brought her items for resale,” I said. “Do you plan to leave them at Be-switched and hope that Lois can sell them or will you take them back?”
Sonja’s polite smile melted away. “I’m not even thinking about that right now. My heart breaks for Franco and Lois. I sent them each a condolence card, but as soon as they’re ready to receive visitors, I’ll be there.”
“That’s very kind of you,” I said. “There’s one item I need to address with you that might be upsetting.”
“I highly doubt it. Nothing’s rattled me since my divorce from that mama’s boy,” Sonja said bitterly. “On the upside, it helped me become the Amazon I was always meant to be.”
Let’s see how hardened she really was. “According to the police report, Shayna choked on a brooch and, sadly, that’s what killed her.”
Sonja gasped. “My word. How would such a thing even happen?”
“She was wearing the brooch at the wedding,” I explained. “The police believe that the killer may have forced it down her throat in a heated moment.”
Sonja blanched. “Heated? More like violent and monstrous. I truly hope Sheriff Nash and his deputy are making every effort to apprehend this vile creature.”
“Everything that can be done is being done,” I assured her. No need to mention the current crisis with Sheriff Nash. “The reason I’m even sharing this information is because the brooch belonged to you. It was the flower with different colored gemstones.”
Her mouth dropped open and she took a moment to recover. “I beg your pardon. Are you telling me that the brooch I brought her to resell at Be-switched is the same brooch that was used to murder her?”
“Apparently, Shayna sometimes liked to wear items from the shop as a way of showing them off to potential customers,” I said. “She wore the brooch to the wedding because she knew she would get a lot of eyes on it and increase its chances of being sold.”
Sonja’s brow furrowed. “Yes, yes. I was aware that she did that. I’m just floored that my little brooch is what killed her.” She pressed her palms flat against her cheeks. “I think I’ll be needing that glass of wine now.”
“I’m sorry to be the one to tell you,” I said. “I know from the deputy that they’ll need to keep the brooch in evidence, so you won’t be able to sell it.”
She swatted a hand in the air. “Oh my goodness. Don’t give it another thought. It’s just a thing. It had been sitting in my jewelry box for ages collecting dust.” Her hand moved to cover her stomach. “I feel quite ill.”
“I’m sorry,” I said.
“Whatever you write in that article on Shayna, please be sure to mention that Sonja Brickstone thought the world of her. And you can quote me on that.” She held a pillow against her stomach. “I’m sure you’ve already heard a number of negative stories about her, but I only saw her good side. I’d like to make sure the record reflects that not everyone found her to be difficult or challenging. I suppose Franco will say the same, though. Still, two positive voices are better than one.”
“Three, with Lois,” I said.
Sonja pressed her lips together and nodded vigorously. “Shayna was more than helpful to me after my divorce. I was desperate for money at the time because my accounts were frozen during the proceedings. My ex-husband is a class A wereass, you see. Spent more time on the croquet court than in our bedroom because those were the only balls he was comfortable with. Technically, I wasn’t supposed to sell any of my belongings until a settlement was reached, but I didn’t have a choice. I wouldn’t have been able to pay my bills. Shayna told me not to worry, that she would sell every piece she possibly could.”
“And did she?”
Sonja nodded. “That’s why I continue to bring her pieces to this day. I no longer need the money, thank the gods, but I’m happy to give her my business. Anytime I come across something that I no longer need or want, I pass it along to Be-switched, like the brooch.”
“And you get a cut of the sale price, right?”
“I do, but I donate my portion to charity. I’m very involved with the Amazon Orphan Society.”
A-ha! No wonder Sonja was so tall. “My family is involved with a few nonprofits, too. I’m on the board of the Rose Foundation.”
She stared at me. “Wait, you’re a Rose?” She scrutinized me. “I suppose I should’ve realized when you introduced yourself, but you…”
“I know, I know. I don’t have the telltale hair or the perfect body.”
“I know your cousins in passing,” she said. “Aster and I have attended many of the same charitable events together.”
“Yes, she and Sterling definitely attend a lot of those.”
“If you’re hungry, I can have my chef whip up a quick cheese board.”
“Thanks, but I have to get home.” I didn’t want to say for a runecraft lesson because that sounded lame, even in my head.
Sonja stood and smoothed the front of her dress. “Well, if there’s a
nything you need from me—anything at all—please feel free to contact me. I’m more than happy to help. I won’t have a sound night’s sleep until this monster is caught.”
“Thank you so much,” I said. “And I’m really sorry about the brooch. I know it’s not the kind of news you want to hear.”
She blinked away tears. “I just feel so guilty that it was my piece that she happened to be wearing that day. If she’d been wearing a statement necklace or chunky earrings…” She trailed off. “It doesn’t bear thinking about.”
“I know it’s hard, but try not to blame yourself.”
She accompanied me to the door. “When do you think the article will be published?”
“Uh, next week?” Assuming I managed to actually write one.
“I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for it.” Her gaze lingered on me. “You know, if you ever want any fashion tips, I’m very generous with advice. Maybe you could include a column in the paper detailing our discussion.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond. “That’s nice of you.” Or maybe rude. I couldn’t decide. “I’ll mention it to my boss.” Not.
“Have you considered thinning your eyebrows just a hair, no pun intended?” She laughed awkwardly.
I clenched my hands into fists. “Never. Apparently, the One True Witch had caterpillar-style eyebrows, so I’ve been forbidden from touching them. They think it’s where my magic resides.” A little lie inspired by…a story from the Bible. Minotaur shit. I was going straight to Hell courtesy of Samson and Delilah.
Her brow lifted. “You must be very powerful.”
“You have no idea,” I said, and forced myself back to my broomstick before I did something I’d regret.
Chapter Thirteen
Thankfully, I arrived at the cottage in time for my lesson with Hazel. Twice in one week wasn’t my idea of fun, but I’d managed to derail her last time, so it was only fair.
“Your aunt has requested that we take this show on the road,” Hazel announced.
“Wow, big day. You’re finally acknowledging that this is a circus and you’re the head clown.” With her curly red hair, pink cheeks, and demonic expression, she was always a crazed clown to me.
Hazel glared at me. “Her Majesty has requested a demonstration of your progress.”
“My progress with runecraft?” I scrunched my nose. “Is she set on disappointment or what?”
“I think she’s trying to impress her new beau,” Hazel said, lowering her voice.
“Why are you whispering?” I asked. “Aunt Hyacinth isn’t here.”
“I don’t know, actually. It just seems polite to speak softly with regard to your aunt’s suitors.”
“At her age, we should be shouting it from the rooftops,” I said. “If you’ve got it, flaunt it.”
Hazel bristled. “At her age? You’d better mind your tongue, young witch. I know more than a few spells that will paralyze it. It would be a nice change for all of us.”
I gave her a pointed look. “I can think of a powerful vampire who might object.”
Hazel cringed. “No need for details on your romantic interactions with Mr. Hale, thank you.”
“Are you sure? It might save you the trouble of reading that bodice ripper in your bottomless bag.”
Hazel pulled the bag close to her chest. “Since when do you have some kind of X-ray vision?”
I tipped back my head and laughed. “That’s not X-ray vision. That’s called knowing your mark.”
Hazel’s eyes narrowed to slits. “It’s not a bodice ripper, I’ll have you know. It’s women’s fiction.”
“Is there a dude on the cover with his chest exposed and a woman in the throes of passion?”
Hazel slowly slid the bag under her chair. “Maybe,” she mumbled.
“Hazel, there’s nothing wrong with reading romance. If you love it, you need to own it, not be embarrassed.”
“I know it’s pure fantasy, but there’s something to be said for a gent with rippling muscles and the patience of a saint.” She shuddered with pleasure.
I held up a hand. “Okay, now it’s my turn to be grossed out. I don’t need the details of your imaginary sex life.” I had no doubt circus porn was a fetish I hadn’t been exposed to yet and I was grateful for it.
“I know you prefer the epic fantasies that Mr. Hale writes, but I’ve always been partial to hunky Scots in kilts.”
“Oh, you prefer historical romance. Even better.”
She shook a finger at me. “If you tell anyone, you will live to regret it.”
“Hazel, I’m telling you not to be ashamed. I don’t judge anyone’s reading choices. I think it’s great that there are books that resonate with you. To be honest, I don’t even like epic fantasy. I only read them because Alec wrote them and it’s an opportunity to see inside his head.”
She examined me. “Is that true?”
I held up a hand. “Swear. Marley’s the real fan.”
“And what do you like to read?”
I flashed a smile. “Runecraft, of course.”
She looked for something to throw at me but came up empty-handed.
“How am I supposed to show off my rune skills anyway?” I asked. “It’s pretty much the worst subject she could possibly choose.”
Hazel hoisted her tote bag over her shoulder. “Quit bellyaching and let’s get on with it. You’re worse than a toddler who’s been told she can’t have dessert.”
I scoffed. “No, I’m much louder when it comes to dessert deprivation.” I glanced around the table. “Do I bring the BBOS? I’ll need a crutch.”
Hazel leveled me with a look. “Right. Wren mentioned your attempts to abbreviate our terminology.”
“You guys talk about me when I’m not around?” That revelation managed to be both flattering and annoying.
“It’s hard not to, Ember.”
I suddenly remembered that I’d sworn him to secrecy about Ivy’s Book of Shadows. “What else did he say?”
She gave me a curious look. “Why does that matter?”
I shrugged. “Because I want to be liked.”
She barked a short laugh. “Since when?”
“Okay, fine. I’m nosy and vaguely narcissistic.”
“That’s more like it. He said he’s pleased that you’re beginning to think more independently instead of simply following along with the lesson plan.”
“That’s it? Nothing else?”
“That’s a pretty high compliment from Wren. Isn’t that enough for you?”
It was. “Lead on, ringmaster. Our audience awaits.”
Hazel and I flew the short distance to Thornhold on our broomsticks to find Aunt Hyacinth on the veranda, engaged in conversation with Craig and Florian. By the time we landed on the lawn and joined them, Simon was in the process of distributing drinks and a plate of cookies.
“Craig, what a nice surprise. Again,” I said. And the perfect opportunity to test my mind reading skills. “No Linden?”
“Lovely to see you again, Ember,” he said. “No, I’m afraid my cousin had an appointment. She’ll be sorry to have missed this. I understand you’ll be regaling us with your considerable talents this afternoon.”
Hazel choked back a laugh.
“Anything else I can bring for you?” Simon asked, directing the question to my aunt.
I raised my hand. “Ooh, make mine an eyebright and tonic, please.”
“Since when do you drink those?” Florian asked.
“I’m trying to expand my horizons,” I replied.
“I did that last night,” my cousin said, suggestively wiggling his eyebrows. “Several times, in fact.”
“Florian, please,” my aunt said.
“That’s what she said.” Florian laughed. Sometimes he was awesome and other times…Well, he was this guy.
“Who’s the unlucky lady?” I asked. Florian would be sure to crush her heart and blend it with his kale and chickweed smoothie by tomorrow.
“A gentlema
n never tells,” he said vaguely.
“Which means you don’t want me to know. Interesting.” Well, I knew it wasn’t Delphine because she and Wren were still going strong. “Do you know, Simon?”
The servant avoided my gaze. “What Master Florian does in his own home is his business.”
Ooh, Simon definitely knew! The reasons to cast the mind reading spell had grown exponentially since my arrival.
Precious, my aunt’s familiar, darted between my legs to climb on Hyacinth’s lap and dip her tongue into the cocktail. Gross. The longhaired, white cat proved a bit too eager, causing my aunt to spill a few drops on her royal blue kaftan. The cat wasted no time trying to lick the fallen droplets as well. It seemed my aunt and her familiar shared a taste for alcohol the way Raoul and I shared a taste for pizza.
“If you’ll excuse me for a moment,” I said, “I need the bathroom.”
“No escaping out the front door,” Hazel hissed.
I dashed into the house and across the foyer to the powder room.
“Are you well, Miss Ember?” Simon asked, as I hurried past him. “Does something not agree with you?”
“Story of my life,” I called over my shoulder. Once I was safely installed in the powder room, I took out my wand and focused on corralling my energy. “Mentis lector.”
I ran the water and pretended to wash my hands in case anyone was listening because—let’s face it—I was in my aunt’s house and the paranoia was strong in me. I quickly returned to the veranda, ready to work my magic.
“Where is everyone?” I asked.
“Your aunt and Florian had to take an important call,” Craig said. “Something to do with the foundation. Hazel and Simon went to the kitchen so that Hazel could show him how to make the drink she requested. It seems rather high-maintenance.”
“Ha!” I said. This was perfect. It would be easier for me to try this without my aunt’s critical gaze on me.
“You two have been spending a lot of time together,” I said. “You must be really into each other.” I listened intently for the words in his head rather than the ones he spoke.
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